According to the Department of Health, colorectal cancer ranks second among all deadly cancers in Hong Kong. In 2018 alone, colorectal cancer resulted in 2,279 deaths, accounting for 15.8%regular colonoscopy examinations and the early removal of colon polyps can effectively prevent their progression to cancer.
The following will explain some questions you may have about colonoscopy:
Is there only one type of colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy can be divided into two types, namelyColonoscopy examinationandSigmoidoscopy. Both are flexiblegastroscopy. They are usually inserted into the large intestine through the anus. The doctor observes the conditions or lesions in the intestine on a TV screen, such as abnormal cells, ulcers or polyps. When necessary, the doctor will extract the diseased tissue for testing, or perform hemostasis or polypectomy.
The biggest difference between the two is that the length of the flexible sigmoidoscope is only about 60 cm, and the inspection range only covers the entire descending colon, while the length of the colonoscope is 160 cm, which can inspect the entire large intestine. It is more accurate than the sigmoidoscope, but the cost is also more expensive.
Public Hospital VS Day Endoscopy Center
In recent years, the demand for patients requiring colonoscopy has been increasing day by day, and the waiting time has been measured in years. In addition, due to the impact of the new coronavirus epidemic, public hospitals have postponed non-urgent services, including colonoscopy. The day endoscopy center has not been affected, and the waiting time is faster. Patients can make appointments online or by phone, and receive proper and comprehensive care from doctor consultation, diagnosis, examination, and treatment.Treatment均可得到妥善周全的照顧。
According to the data of the New Territories East Hospital Network of the Hospital Authority, for example, new cases in the colon surgery department of Wells Hospital in 2017 had to wait four years, that is, they would not see a doctor for the first time until June 2021. Some patients waiting forspecialist outpatient clinicswere worried that they had cancer and died before seeking medical treatment. Most patients with new colon and anal surgeries already have symptoms, such as blood in the stool, and have to wait 4 years before seeing a doctor. The patient's polyps may turn into cancerous tumors during the waiting period, or the cancerous tumors may spread and metastasize. In the end, the condition may be so bad that even the treatment is not worth it.
What does the general fee include?
In terms of colonoscopy fees, examination centers generally charge a basic fee and a surcharge (i.e., tissue extraction and laboratory testing fees). Some include the basic fee and tissue laboratory testing fees in one price. Generally speaking, the basic charge already includes intravenous sedatives. If you need to use anesthetics instead, you will need to pay extra. The cost ofintestinal polypectomymay not be included, so you should ask clearly when making inquiries!
To identify polyps as early as possible toavoidcolorectal cancer, regular colonoscopies are recommended.
The above information is for reference only. Consult your doctor if you have any doubt.
